Finding the Best Massages in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is an attractive tourist destination in Thailand, boasting 300 Buddhist temples and an energetic culture that welcomes visitors.
Massage in Thailand differs significantly from what many are used to. You may be pulled around and kneaded using different parts of the masseuse’s body.
1. Reflexology
Reflexology is a type of massage in which pressure is applied to specific points on the feet (and sometimes hands and ears). Reflexology works on the theory that different areas and points in your body correspond with specific organs and systems, so applying pressure to those reflex points can help ensure everything in your body functions more smoothly.
Reflexology can do more than reduce stress and help people sleep: it can also ease pregnancy symptoms and delivery pain, alleviate headaches, relieve arthritis and asthma symptoms and alleviate chronic conditions like arthritis or asthma. Reflexology may even improve circulation and blood pressure as well as boost your immunity – essential components to fighting infections and staying healthy!
Neuromatrix Theory of Pain was devised in 1917, and when applied by a reflexologist on your feet or hands it sends a soothing signal from peripheral nerves in those extremities to your central nervous system, instructing it to lower tension levels accordingly and restore equilibrium within your endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic systems, bringing your whole body back into optimal functioning.
Stress has been estimated to account for up to 75% of ailments, injuries and aches in recent studies. Your body works hard to combat its negative effects but when you receive a reflexology session, its relaxing benefits allow your body to release tension and heal itself more efficiently.
Reflexology has long been used to relieve insomnia’s associated stress while also encouraging relaxation and maintaining a healthy Circadian rhythm, which can benefit everyone, since lack of sleep has been linked with numerous health conditions.
Reflexology can improve digestion by aiding with symptoms such as bloating, constipation, indigestion, nausea and bowel movements. Furthermore, reflexology may support chemotherapy treatments by relieving menstrual pain and discomfort while also helping with side effects of fibromyalgia such as pain and tenderness. Please keep in mind that reflexology alone does not cure or diagnose illness or injury and always consult your healthcare provider prior to trying new therapies.
2. Tok Sen
Tok Sen massage utilizes wooden hammers and sticks of various shapes and sizes to tap rhythmically along your energy lines. Traditionally, these tools were made of the wood from tamarind trees that had been struck by lightning before being blessed by Buddhist monks for use during massage sessions. Your Tok Sen therapist will gently tap key parts of your body with this tool in order to release any blockages causing fatigue, numbness, pain or general poor health – creating resonance which works to dislodge deep-seated tension as well as restore natural life force flow back into you – leaving you feeling more vibrant and awake than before the massage begins!
Tok Sen is an alternative form of healing designed to correct the natural flow of your life force, commonly referred to as chi. According to traditional Thai medicine, one is considered healthy when this life energy flows freely; otherwise it will become blocked, leading to chronic pain, fatigue and other adverse symptoms arising throughout their body.
At a Tok Sen session, practitioners tap and vibrate along energy channels that run throughout your body (known as Sen Lines). Sen Lines form the basis of all Eastern healing modalities and can help alleviate pain, stiffness and imbalances. Your therapist will typically start by assessing your condition before using various tools to locate and eliminate any blockages in your energy system.
Massage sessions often combine Tok Sen and passive stretching in order to increase flexibility, relax tense muscles and increase circulation – perfect for increasing energy levels and stamina! In addition to rejuvenating massage benefits such as improving sleep quality, lowering blood pressure and relieving stress/anxiety.
Tok sens is an incredible addition to any therapeutic massage regimen, especially those who are suffering from chronic pain or illness. If you would like more information about how this ancient healing art can benefit your health and wellness, reach out to Imosha today – our professional therapists are standing by ready to guide you through its benefits!
3. Thai Massage
Thai massage uses gentle pressure along energy lines similar to Chinese medicine’s meridians and yoga’s nadis, called sen. If they become blocked or stagnant, this could result in physical, emotional or psychological imbalances that manifest themselves physically, emotionally or psychologically.
As the therapist works, individuals remain fully clothed. A short ceremony and prayer set the mood before masseuse begins working her magic by shifting body into various yoga-like positions and stretches that stretch and release tension, improving flexibility while increasing range of motion. Stretches and pulsing movements help relieve stress, increase circulation and promote an overall sense of well-being for individuals.
Massage also has the capacity to stimulate the lymphatic system, an integral component of immunity. Massage improves blood circulation and can aid healing for many conditions including low back pain, chronic neck or shoulder issues and arthritis – even helping with insomnia and anxiety management!
Thai massage offers multiple health benefits for the heart and blood vessels. It can lower resting heart rates while simultaneously reducing blood pressure and stroke risk; its improved oxygen flow to muscles helps prevent atherosclerosis from occurring as a result of massage.
Regular Thai massage can improve flexibility and mobility in joints, keeping the body feeling young as you age. According to one study of soccer players, regular Thai massage improved performance and speed; its stretches and poses helped reduce muscle tightness, improve mobility and flexibility as well as decrease injury risks.
Thai massage should not be performed during pregnancy as certain stretches or positions can lead to uterine contractions. Furthermore, those suffering from heart disease or high blood pressure should consult their physician prior to receiving one of these massages.
4. Swedish
Swedish massage can be a fantastic way to relieve stress, boost energy levels and support a healthier immune system. One of the most sought-after techniques, Swedish massage can be tailored specifically to meet your individual needs – from gentle effleurage strokes that promote circulation to deeper petrissage techniques that relieve muscle tension – this technique offers many healing movements that may suit anyone. Don’t worry about stretching out muscles either – Swedish massage also uses kneading, tapping and friction techniques which invigorate the body while stimulating nerve endings!
Athletics: Swedish massage can provide increased blood flow to tight muscles, decreased stress hormones and relaxed limbs to aid athletes recovering faster from workouts. Furthermore, its increased flexibility improves flexibility and can even prevent injuries. Office workers: Receiving a Swedish massage may help ease back pain from sitting at a desk all day as well as increase energy levels by relieving back strain caused by poor posture or stiff necks caused by sitting all day – while its increased endorphin release boosts mood levels to ease symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Swedish massage works to relax the entire body through four fundamental principles: effleurage, petrissage, friction and tapotement. An effleurage session usually consists of long sweeping strokes of varying pressure that help relax soft tissues; petrissage involves kneading and rolling motions for muscle tension release; friction utilizes deep circular or transverse movements to break down knots and adhesions while increasing mobility; while tapotement relies on rhythmic tapping movements that invigorate body and stimulate nerves.
Swedish massage provides numerous health benefits and should be considered by anyone seeking relief from chronic pain or looking to relax and unwind. When selecting this form of therapy, always consult with a massage therapist first – their knowledge and expertise in individual health histories as well as pressure preferences will ensure you make the most out of every session.
Massage should be scheduled once or twice weekly; the frequency depends on your individual needs and should include plenty of fluid intake before and after each massage to flush away toxins from the body.